Volum max at start/restart

1. When I start or restart the computer the volume level is always at
maximum. It used to be that I could set the volume half way down and the
computer would remember it. I've looked up and down the computer but can't
find anything that fixes it.

2. When I apply volume levelling to all my music by opening WMP 11,
clicking on the Library tab, clicking Add to Library, checking the Add Volume
Levelling for all Files box, then OK most files are volume levelled but some
files are extra loud and distorted. Why? What can I do about it?

Hope someone can help.